ARES Membership Explained

Level 1 – This is our “Entry” Level. Some may not want to advance beyond this level and that’s OK. Level 1 persons are those who have not completed the 4 basic NIMS (ICS) courses (IS-100, 200, 700 & 800)

If you elect not to get any of this training there are activities that you still be able to participate in (parades, races and similar events.)

Level 2 – This is where we hope that everyone will eventually land.

 This means that you have completed all of the above courses, and you are competent operating within the Incident Command Structure.

Level 3 – This is our Management Level. This level will require you to have completed all of the previous requirements in Level 2, plus the additional NIMS (ICS) courses (IS-300 & 400). This is mostly for management (E.C.’s, D.E.C.’s and higher), but anyone can qualify.

The extra courses IS 300/400 are the structure for managing within the EMA office or at an incident scene and they are not everyone’s cup of tea.

We do recognize that IS-300/400 requires multiple days of actual classroom training that is not easily obtained. So, if you just can’t find the time to fit these class room courses in, we do have an alternative method for getting you to Level 3. Completing the following “FREE” and “ONLINE” courses will act as substitute for you FEMA Leadership Development Course requirements. You absolutely will need to complete all 7 of these courses to get your ICS 300/400 credit. Here are the coursesthat you need to take:

IS-120, 230, 240, 241, 242, 244 & 288.

Skywarn training is not mandatory, but is highly recommended for all levels.